Monrovia Friends of the Library Book Sale

The Friends of the Monrovia Public Library will hold its semi-annual book sale, with more than 5,000 books, in conjunction with the Monrovia Association of Fine Arts' "Celebrate the Arts" festival in Library Park and in the Library Community Room on Friday, Oct. 11, noon-5 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; and Sunday, Oct. 13, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. $2 per bag sale on Sunday from 4-5 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Monrovia Public Library.

- Brad Haugaard

Impressions of Provence Art Show at Segil Fine Art

"Ouvrez La Porte" by Julie Snyder

Impressions of Provence show at Segil Fine Art at 110 West Lime. Opening reception Oct. 5, 5-7 p.m. Exhibit runs until Oct. 31. http://goo.gl/6A6OgV

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Injured Bear; Chasing a Suspect on a Bike; Warrant Arrests

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 26-29. - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend’s highlighted issues and events.

Bear Incident
On September 26, police received numerous calls reporting an injured bear, but when the animal control officer located it, he determined the bear was actually ill.  The Department of Fish and Wildlife were requested.  They responded, tranquilized and took charge of the bear.

Delaying and Obstructing a Peace Officer / Gang Injunction Violation – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 7:31 p.m., an officer on patrol saw a male subject riding a bicycle in the 400 block of East Duarte without lighting equipment.  The officer told the subject to stop, but the subject did not comply.  Instead, the subject jumped off the bicycle and ran west on Duarte.  The officer gave chase and detained the subject at on Monrovista.  The subject was arrested for delaying and obstructing a peace officer and was also found to be in violation of the gang injunction, which was added to his charges.

No-Bail Warrants – Suspect Arrested
September 26 at 8:25 p.m., an officer stopped a vehicle for a vehicle code violation in the area of Longden and Myrtle.  He observed a subject in the vehicle that he knew had two outstanding no-bail warrants for his arrest.  A computer check was run and the suspect was found to have three outstanding warrants: two no-bail warrants and a felony warrant.  He was arrested and taken into custody.

Out-of-State Felony Warrant – Suspect Arrested
September 27 at 11:00 a.m., an officer observed a subject he recognized from previous contacts in the area of Mayflower and Foothill.  A computer check revealed the subject had a felony parole violation warrant out of the Kansas.  The male was stopped and arrested for the warrant without incident.

School Board Candidate Scott Pomrehn Launches Website

Monrovia School Board candidate Scott Pomrehn has launched his campaign website, http://www.scottpomrehn.net/ .

- Brad Haugaard

Santa Ana Winds? | Book Sale | Clean-up St. Luke's

~ Potential for a very warm and dry Santa Ana wind event with high fire danger Thursday night through Saturday. http://goo.gl/0Xseue

~ For October, books with a black dot on the spine at the Friends of the Monrovia Library bookstore (in the Library) are half-price. Regular prices range from $0.25 to $2.

~ Rev. Neil Tadken, the new Priest in Charge at St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Foothill, is inviting the community to help church members clean up the gardens and grounds, which "need major attention." Work days are "any part, or all, of three upcoming Saturdays - Sept. 28, Oct. 26, and Nov. 16, between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m."

- Brad Haugaard

iPads at the Monrovia Library

The Monrovia Library now has iPads for the kids.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over South Hills :) | Dols a Teacher of the Year | Candidates Ask for Democratic Endorsement | Free Online Courses

~ Monrovia High victorious over South Hills 31-13. http://goo.gl/hNGdqS

~ Los Angeles County Office of Education has chosen Monrovia High teacher, Paul Dols, as one of its teachers of the year. http://goo.gl/MsAiGA

~ Three Monrovia School Board candidates have asked the local Democratic club for its endorsement. The candidates are: Terrence Williams, Alex Zucco, Ruhiyyih N. Yuille. http://goo.gl/y7GXVe

~ Free online courses through the Monrovia Library: Accounting and Finance; College Readiness; Computer Applications; Design and Composition; Health Care and Medical; Language and Arts; Law and Legal; Personal Development; Teaching and Education; Technology; Writing and Publishing http://goo.gl/pwyHd4

- Brad Haugaard

Bridge Supports Installed | Monrovia Bear Put Down

~ Bridge deck beams being installed for the Gold Line bridge over Santa Anita Wash Bridge.

~ Bear found on Melrose, possibly hit by car, put down. http://goo.gl/OQPGdJ

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Construction Activities in Monrovia

Gold Line progress in Monrovia by map. Mayflower will be closed at the railroad crossing until December of this year. California will be closed just north of Duarte for seven months.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Cafe LuMar

Lunch at Cafe LuMar, on Colorado about a half-block east of Myrtle. Got the goulash with polenta special ($12.50), on a specials list, not on the regular menu, and an iced tea ($2.25). Nice atmosphere, real flowers on the table, pleasant service. Really good goulash. Also got a berry-cream cheese crepe (a special for $9.25) for desert. Oh, wow! Excellent desert. 

- Brad Haugaard

Antonovich: County Gets More Jail Space for Violent Offenders

LA County Supervisor Mike Antonovich, who represents Monrovia,  reports that the county supervisors have approved a contract with the city of Taft for 512 jail beds so serious/violent inmates - such as rapists, child molesters, and carjackers - can serve their full sentences. He said they are serving less than 20% of their sentences now.

- Brad Haugaard

Representative Chu Wants Your Thoughts on Avoiding Government Shutdown

Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the top of Monrovia - roughly from Hillcrest/Grand/E. Greystone north - wants to know how you think the government should avoid a shutdown on October 1. Survey here: http://goo.gl/ByuZsa

- Brad Haugaard

Rob Hammond Completes Canada-to-Mexico Bike Ride

Former Monrovia mayor and present school board member, Rob Hammond, has completed his bicycle ride from Canada to the Mexican border. 17 days on the road.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Drug Busts; Gang Busts; Shoplifting

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 23–25. - Brad Haugaard]
During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 436 service events, resulting in 86 investigations.

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia – Suspect Arrested

September 23 at 9:48 p.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Shamrock and Huntington saw a subject standing at the drive-through window of a fast food restaurant. The subject abruptly walked away from the window when he saw the police unit. As the officer was approaching the subject to contact him, he saw the subject take something out of his pocket, toss it on the ground and walk away from it. The subject was detained. The subject was found to be in possession of marijuana and the item he threw on the ground was a glass pipe, with white residue in it, used for smoking methamphetamine. The suspect was arrested.

Gang Injunction – Suspect Arrested

September 23 at 11:29 p.m., officers responded to the report of a possible fight involving three male subjects in a parking lot in the 100 block of West Lime. As the first officer arrived, one of the subjects ran east towards Myrtle. The subject was detained by additional arriving officers. The subject is a known gang member who has been served with the gang injunction. He was arrested for violating the gang injunction court order.

Parolee-at-Large / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspects Arrested

September 24 at 12:00 p.m., officers were investigating complaints of drug use and drug sales at area motels in the 700 block of West Huntington. Officers, assisted by the West San Gabriel Anti-Crime Task Force, contacted a female and her boyfriend. Through investigation, the boyfriend was determined to be a parolee-at-large and the female subject was found to have methamphetamine in her possession. Both suspects were arrested.

Petty Theft – Suspect Arrested

September 24 at 5:10 p.m., a theft was reported at a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain. The suspect was detained for shoplifting by the store loss prevention officer. A computer check revealed the suspect is currently on parole for burglary. He was arrested and taken into custody.

Monrovia vs South Hills Friday

Monrovia plays South Hills (West Covina) tomorrow (Friday) night at Monrovia High School.

- Brad Haugaard

Azusa Pacific University Expands Nursing Program into Monrovia

Monrovia Planning Division Manager Craig Jimenez writes that Azusa Pacific University is expanding its nursing program into Monrovia, at 606 E. Huntington Drive, at the southwest corner of Huntington and Shamrock.

According to the staff report, the school will occupy 15,554 square feet on the first and second floor of the eastern-most section of the building, using the space for offices, classrooms, laboratory space, workspaces and conference rooms. There will be 8-12 staff members working between 8 and 5 and 7-10 faculty members working 8-10 p.m. for evening classes.

"Their current plan is to start with 3-5 classes with 20 students in the evening. The university does not currently plan to have daytime classes. However, they anticipate eventually scheduling 2 to 3 daytime classes (of 1.5 to 3 hour duration) with an average of 20 students. Eventual peak time student population during the day would be 60-70 students, 4 to 5 faculty and 5 staff."

- Brad Haugaard

Champion Broadband Wires City Hall, Library for Fiber-Optic Internet

Champion Broadband has just completed a dedicated fiber-optic network to City Hall and Monrovia Public Library. Dedicated fiber-optic networks bring data transfer speeds of up to 1 gigabit and more, faster and more secure than traditional copper/modem-based service.

Source: press release

- Brad Haugaard

Is This Your Dog? | Monrovia Halloween Activities | Holden Update

~ Is this your dog? Gabrielle Mejia (contact via Twitter: ‏@gabbklein ) twitters that she found it around Olive and Canyon.

~ Halloween activities for kids at Library Park. http://goo.gl/yS7SrX

~ Monrovia Assemblymember Chris Holden will update the City Council on the 'State of the State'. http://goo.gl/jmgfs9

- Brad Haugaard

Azusa Pacific Office to Monrovia? | Smashburger | Top-Price House

~ It appears an office of Azusa Pacific University will be moving into Monrovia. At its meeting today, the Monrovia Development Review Committee reviewed a sign for the school for the office building at 606 E. Huntington Drive, at the southwest corner of Huntington and Shamrock.

~ Also, the committee reviewed a sign for Smashburger, one of the tenants for the new restaurant building that replaced the old Acapulco building.

~ A home on East Greystone has recently been listed for sale at an asking price of $1.96 million, the highest ask-price single family home in town (that I can find). Pretty house: http://goo.gl/yZ8LfR

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia May Hire Consultant to Help Figure out Staffing Needs

Thin agenda ( http://goo.gl/BmfVEv ) for the Oct. 1 Monrovia City Council meeting. Mostly, the council will consider contracting with Management Partners for up to $71,500 to help the city figure out its staffing needs, salary and benefit levels, and and job classifications. Details: http://goo.gl/LTc3vn

- Brad Haugaard

Thoughts on Monrovia Running Back Kurt Scoby | Hammond in San Diego | Bookmarks | Origin of MAFA

~ Thoughts on Monrovia running back Kurt Scoby by South Hills coach: "You're not realistically thinking you're going to shut him down. What you want to do is contain him and keep him bottled up." Plus video highlights of Scoby in action. http://goo.gl/XWy6Nj

~ Canada-to-Mexico biker rider Rob Hammond is in San Diego. Popping back to Monrovia for a School Board meeting, then back to San Diego tomorrow to pedal to the Mexican border.

~ Winners of the Monrovia Library Bookmark Contest Winners. http://goo.gl/wr4IFC

~ Dispute over the origins of Monrovia Association of Fine Arts (MAFA): http://goo.gl/z6xEx1

- Brad Haugaard

Progress on Monrovia Rail Maintenance Yard

Gold Line Construction Authority Habib Balian reports that nearly half of the at-grade crossings for the 11.5-mile project are now complete, with six more currently under construction. Also, he writes:

"At the [Monrovia] Operations Campus, crews are nearly ready to start laying the six miles of track that will be installed within the $265 million facility. As of today, more than half of the 213 OCS pole foundations are drilled and poured, and the Maintenance of Way storage structure is nearly complete."

- Brad Haugaard

Champion Broadband Has New Website

Champion Broadband, which serves Monrovia, has launched a new website ( http://championbroadband.com/ ). Here is the announcement: http://goo.gl/63F4L5

- Brad Haugaard

Gold Line Freeway Bridge is Magazine Cover Story

The new Gold Line freeway bridge at Santa Anita Ave., and its echos of Native American culture, is the feature article in APWA (American Public Works Association) Southern California's Insight newsletter. http://goo.gl/smmIgU

- Brad Haugaard

Thrift Store to Open on Foothill | Mayflower Closing at Rail Crossing | Fire Update

~ Giving Hands Thrift store will be opening at the corner of Foothill and Lincoln, in the old Extreme Boot Camp building. The store is accepting donations of used items, and is hiring. http://goo.gl/nKusTA

~ Starting this Thursday, Sept. 26, through early December, Mayflower Ave will be closed at the railroad corridor for grade crossing improvements. During the street closure, which includes no through access for vehicles and pedestrians, a free shuttle will be provided to assist pedestrians around the closure daily from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

~ Madre fire 70 percent contained. Full containment expected by Friday.

- Brad Haugaard

Map of the Extent of the Madre Fire

Here is a map showing the extent of the Madre (Azusa Canyon) fire.


- Brad Haugaard

Madre Fire 30 Percent Contained

Star-News reporter Brian Day reports that the Madre fire in Azusa Canyon, now having burned 250 acres, is 30 percent contained and firefighters are working hard ahead of potential wind shifts tonight.

- Brad Haugaard

Madre Fire | Hammond Near Laguna Beach | Citrus College Grows | Zucco Endorsements

~ Driving home from Pasadena an hour ago I couldn't see a bit of smoke from the Madre fire. Hope that's a good sign.

~ On his Canada-to-Mexico bicycle ride, former Monrovia mayor and present school board member, Rob Hammond, is currently just past Corona Del Mar, heading toward Laguna Beach. About 100 miles to the Mexican border.

~ Citrus College, which serves Monrovia, has had its enrollment grow 13.9 percent. http://goo.gl/pdmbGm

~ Incumbent Monrovia School Board candidate, Alex Zucco, has announced that she has been endorsed by: Assemblymember Chris Holden; former Assemblymember Anthony Portantino; National Women's Political Caucus Greater Pasadena Area; Monrovia School Board Member Ed Gililland; Monrovia School Board Member Bryan Wong; and Monrovia City Councilman Larry Spicer.

- Brad Haugaard

Neighboring Fire Grows; 5% Contained

LA County Fire Department reports that during the night the Azusa fire, labeled the "Madre" fire, has grown to 200 acres and is five percent contained. http://goo.gl/MpUetO

- Brad Haugaard

A Monrovia View of the Azusa Canyon Fire

A 6:30 a.m. view of the smoke plume from the Azusa Canyon fire, from the Pavilions center in Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Fire Next Door in Azusa Canyon

Update: Low wind, good. Voluntary evacuation for area. Copters fighting fire at night. No Super Scoopers, which don't operate at night. http://goo.gl/iG17vg

Fire in Azusa Canyon next door to Monrovia. http://goo.gl/aw7wr9 and  http://goo.gl/CZF5py and http://goo.gl/QFK9A8

- Brad Haugaard

Pouring Concrete at Train Maintenance Yard in Monrovia

Pumping concrete last week at the Gold Line Operations Campus in Monrovia.

- Brad Haugaard

Canada-to-Mexico Bike Rider, Rob Hammond, Makes It to LA County

On his Canada-to-Mexico bicycle ride, former Monrovia mayor and present school board member, Rob Hammond, appears (based on the somewhat fussy tracking device) to now be in the neighborhood of El Segundo, California, down near LAX. It is road day 14.

- Brad Haugaard

YES Program Wins Monrovia a Statewide Helen Putnam Award

The League of California Cities has selected the city of Monrovia as a 2013 Helen Putnam Award winner. The 2013 award winners were honored during the Opening General Session of the League's Annual Conference & Expo at the Sacramento Convention Center held Sept. 18 - 20.

Monrovia won the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government for the city's Youth Employment Service (YES) program to provide job training, mentoring and internship opportunities to Monrovia-at risk youth.

Now in its sixth year, YES has successfully graduated over 135 at-risk kids. The program provides mentoring and intervention features geared toward high school students, specifically those who have failing grades, unstable home lives, a police record or simply bad attitudes. Launched in 2007, the program is designed to address the community's need to improve the quality of life and opportunities for local youth in response to gang violence in some areas of the city.

Studies indicated that the relative effectiveness of combating gang activity was to place 70 percent of its efforts on prevention and intervention, and 30 percent on suppression. In Monrovia, the allocation of resources was reverse: 80 percent was being spent on suppression, while only 20 percent was being spent on prevention and intervention. At the time there were fewer job opportunities for the city's youth and funding for internships. YES was started to address these issues by partnering with the Santa Anita Family YMCA, Monrovia Unified School District and the Monrovia Chamber of Commerce.

"We are honored to receive the Helen Putnam award and are very proud of the YES program's success.  Of those youth who have graduated, we've seen grade point averages increase by 14%, absenteeism decrease by 200% and tardiness decrease by 145%," said Mayor Mary Ann Lutz.  "Many of these youth have focused their energies back into the community, which makes the YES program even more rewarding."

Established in 1982, the Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program recognizes outstanding cities that deliver the highest quality and level of service in the most effective manner possible.   Monrovia was one of 13 cities out of 149 applicants throughout California to receive this coveted award.
 
Source: City of Monrovia press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Swiping Mail; Drugs; Domestic Violence; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 19-22. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.  

 

Spousal Battery / Possession of Controlled Substance

September 19 at 11:45 p.m., officers responded to a disturbance at a residence in the 300 block of South Madison.  The parties had been heard arguing for about an hour. After investigation, the officer determined the boyfriend had battered his girlfriend and left the area.  The boyfriend had been driven to the location by a friend and his belongings were still in the friend's vehicle parked on the street.  The officer walked to the vehicle and saw a medication bottle containing what appeared to be a controlled substance.  The driver of the vehicle was contacted and denied any knowledge of the medicine bottle and stated it belonged to the female's boyfriend.  The officer took possession of the medicine bottle.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

September 20 at 1:55 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and stopped the vehicle at Mountain and Evergreen.  Through investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving under the influence and he was arrested.  Marijuana was found in the vehicle during the inventory search.

 

Mail Theft – Suspect Arrested

September 20 at 1:02 p.m., a resident in the 200 block of Jasmine called to report a subject taking his mail.  The resident was at a neighbor's house when he observed a male adult suspect enter his property and walk toward a rear house located on the same property.  The suspect returned holding a package.  The suspect then opened the resident's mailbox at the front residence and removed mail.  The resident confronted the suspect and he returned the mail and walked away on foot.  The resident called police.

 

Officers detained the suspect nearby and found he had two boxes containing new watches in his pants pockets.  During the investigation, a second package was located on the ground, nearby, which contained three unassembled high-capacity magazines for a firearm.  The subject was arrested.  The Postal Inspection Service was notified and they responded.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Grand Theft Auto

September 20 at 3:25 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of West Palm.  The victim parked his 1994 Honda in front of his residence and discovered the vehicle was missing at 10:00 a.m. in the morning.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Possession of Smoking Paraphernalia / Warrant – Suspects Arrested

September 21 at 1:06 a.m., officers on patrol in the 300 block of West Foothill located six subjects behind a business.  Alcohol was being consumed and a couple of marijuana pipes were at the location.  All subjects were identified and field interview cards were completed.  One female subject was arrested for a no-bail narcotics warrant out of the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and a second female was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia.  

 

Warrant / Possession of Methamphetamine – Suspect Arrested

September 21 at 12:33 p.m., an officer recognized a male subject riding a bicycle at Olive and Mayflower.  He had prior knowledge that the subject had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.  A computer check of the subject revealed the warrant was still outstanding and he was arrested by the officer.  During the search process, a small baggie of methamphetamine was found in one of the subjects socks.  He was charged with possession of methamphetamine and held in custody on the warrant.

 

Domestic Battery / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

September 21 at 9:38 p.m., a domestic disturbance was reported in the 1300 block of South Alta Vista.  Officers arrived and found the male subject waiting outside.  The couple had been arguing over a number of issues.  The investigation revealed the male subject pushed the female, knocking her to the floor.  No injuries were claimed or visible.  The male subject was determined to be the aggressor and was arrested for misdemeanor domestic violence and an outstanding warrant.

 

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

September 22 at 3:22 a.m., a vehicle was stopped at Myrtle and Evergreen for a traffic violation.  The officer noticed the driver displayed signs of intoxication and conducted a field sobriety test.  The driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.

 

Domestic Violence / Criminal Threats

September 22 at 11:30 p.m., a female subject who lives in the 500 block of Fig called police to report that her boyfriend had just choked her and she was now hiding in her bedroom.  When officers arrived, the victim reported that she and her boyfriend had been arguing and it led to a physical altercation, with her boyfriend choking her and threatening to kill her if she phoned the police.  The boyfriend left the location before police arrived.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Violation of Court Order / Gang Injunction – Suspect Arrested

September 23 at 1:09 a.m., a caller reported three subjects fighting in the area of California and Monrovista.  When officers arrived, they located two subjects matching the description of the individuals reported.  Officers contacted the subjects.  One of the subjects had been served with the Gang Injunction and was in violation of the court order; the subject was arrested.  The second subject was identified and released.

Vape 101 Coming to Monrovia

There is a store called Vape 101 coming to the Pavilions shopping center at the corner of Myrtle and Foothill. But what is a "Vape?" 

 

Best I can figure out, "vape" is short for "vapor," and refers to a smoking alternative based on a liquid that is vaporized and inhaled. The liquid may contain nicotine or not.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Cathouse Thursday at Monrovia Benefit

The band, Cathouse Thursday ( http://cathousethursday.com/ ), will appear at a benefit Auction and Masquerade Ball on Friday, October 18, 2013 from 7-11 p.m. at the Monrovia DoubleTree at 924 W Huntington. Details: http://goo.gl/xGne7h

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Pastor Admits to Crack-Like Addiction ;-)

Pastor Albert Tate, of Fellowship Monrovia, writes on Facebook that, "It's like crack! And I have a problem! There I said it." His addiction appears to be a Pizookie cookie, from BJ's Restaurant (there's one on Huntington in Arcadia). And, yes, there is an addictive quality to them. http://goo.gl/ryQNlH

- Brad Haugaard

MonroviaNow Offering Advertising

MonroviaNow.com is experimentally offering ad space to local advertisers. It is the space on the left of the web page where the vertical advertisement is now. It is a monthly build-it-yourself text ad (available for October) with a limited selection of backgrounds, fonts, font sizes and colors. The ad appears on the web page, not in any MonroviaNow email.

MonroviaNow.com has had an average of 9,443 page views per month for the last three complete months (June-August). For October the ad will cost $25, or best offer. Interested? Send me a note at brad@bradhaugaard.com

- Brad Haugaard

Flag Football and Cheer | Flu Shots | Halloween

~ Flag football and cheer programs available for elementary students. Wednesdays beginning October 2.

~ Over-50 flu clinics will be held on the first Tuesday and Wednesday of each month beginning in October through December, from 9 to 10 a.m. Questions? Contact Monrovia Walgreens at 408-6590.

~ Halloween Hikes (you gotta reserve a spot) and Halloween in Library Park.

Details on all these events: http://goo.gl/83NYx1

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Over San Dimas :-)

Monrovia defeats San Dimas 26-13 in football. http://goo.gl/X7bI95

- Brad Haugaard

School Board: Monrovia High SkillsUSA Does Well in Competition | Ratify Contracts with Unions

At its Sept. 25 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/uZVoM0 ), the Board of Education will ...

~ Congratulate the Monrovia High SkillsUSA TV/Video Production team of Jalen Mason and Scott Card for earning a Gold Medal in the State SkillsUSA competition and for finishing in the top ten in the National SkillsUSA competition in Kansas City. Also, it will commend the team's adviser, Tom Reale, for his professional guidance and support.

~ Consider ratifying contract agreements with the district's employee unions.

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at King Hao Chinese Restaurant

Lunch at King Hao Chinese Restaurant, at the corner of Foothill and May, three blocks east of Myrtle.  Formerly Shanghai Dumpling House. Got the orange chicken ($6.79, or $8 with tax) and a water (no iced tea available). It comes with rice and soup; I got the hot and sour. And a fortune cookie. Good food and a very generous amount. I figure there was about enough for three meals. I even like the fortune cookie fortune: "As you slide down the banister of life, may the splinters never point your way." Great deal!

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Ranger Bikes

I saw one of the rangers at Monrovia Canyon Park zip up a steep hill with one of their new electric-assist bikes, shown here. The motor kicks in as you pedal. Looks great for patrolling the trails.

 

- Brad Haugaard

National Recreation Area Behind Monrovia? | Monrovian Faces Charges in Nebraska | Same Sex Sermon

~ An essay on Representative Judy Chu's proposal to make the San Gabriel Mountains - including the part behind Monrovia - part of a national recreation area ( http://goo.gl/kEWibf ). Chu represents the north sliver of Monrovia, roughly from Hillcrest/Grand/E. Greystone north.

~ Monrovian pleads no-contest in Nebraska on charges of transporting liquid methamphetamine. http://goo.gl/S2qjmb

~ Christopher Yuan ( http://goo.gl/EesoCE ) will speak this weekend at all four services of Monrovia's Hope Unlimited Church ( http://goo.gl/cwMmCr - on Peck near Longden) on "a Christian response to same sex attraction."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Pedestrian Hurt as Two Cars Run a Red; Smashing a Meth Pipe; Phone Threat Arrest; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 16-18. - Brad Haugaard]

 

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 427 service events, resulting in 69 investigations.

 

Grand Theft Auto

September 16 at 3:47 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of North Mountain.  The vehicle, a 1971 Austin Mini Cooper, was parked in front of the victim's home.  All keys are accounted for and no one had permission to use or take the vehicle.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Suspect in San Gabriel Valley Schools, Mall, & Hospital Threats Arrested by Five-Agency Team

On September 17, the collaborative efforts of the Arcadia, Covina, and Monrovia Police Departments, the Federal Bureau of Investigations, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department resulted in the identification, location and capture of the suspect who phoned in criminal threats to school campuses and hospitals in the San Gabriel Valley this past week. 

 

Driving Under the Influence / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Destroying Evidence – Suspect Arrested

September 18 at 1:02 a.m., an officer on patrol in the area of Shamrock and Huntington observed a driver throw a can of beer out the window of his vehicle.  The officer stopped the vehicle and an assisting officer on the passenger side of the vehicle saw the female passenger attempt to hide a methamphetamine pipe in her hand.  When the officer attempted to take the glass pipe, she threw it on the ground and broke it.  Through investigation, the driver was determined to be under the influence and was arrested.  The female passenger was arrested for possession of drug paraphernalia, destroying evidence and resisting arrest.

 

False Personation / Possession of Drug Paraphernalia / Possession of Stolen Property / Warrants – Suspect Arrested

September 18 at 8:07 a.m., police responded to at hotel in the 900 block of South Fifth Avenue regarding a subject who had checked in using fictitious identification.  The clerk recognized the subject as a patron they had problems with in the past.  A check of the payment method revealed the subject's reservation had a stop payment on the account and the clerk wanted the subject removed.  Officers noticed the identification presented by the patron appeared altered.  

 

Officers contacted the subject in his room.  The subject gave the officers a different name then the one on the identification he presented to the clerk.  The officers located drug paraphernalia and stolen mail in the subject's room.  A computer check of the suspect revealed he also had two outstanding warrants for his arrest; he was arrested and taken into custody.   

 

During the booking process, the suspect was recognized by a detective as the suspect in two cases he was in the process of filing with the District Attorney's office for warrants.  All of the charges will be added together and presented to the District Attorney for filing.

 

Injury Traffic Collision

September 18 at 9:33 a.m., a traffic collision with injuries involved was reported on Huntington Drive at Magnolia.  A driver heading east on Huntington ran a red light at Magnolia.  The vehicle struck a pedestrian and a vehicle traveling north on Magnolia.  Another driver traveling east on Huntington failed to stop for the same red light and drove into the crashed vehicles.  Three people were taken to area hospitals for non-life-threatening injuries.

Monrovia vs. San Dimas This Friday | LifeChurch Celebration | Monrovia Stats

~ Tomorrow, Sept. 20 at 7 p.m., Monrovia plays San Dimas at Monrovia High in football.

~ LifeChurch of Monrovia, which meets in the Mary Wilcox Center, is sponsoring a Safe and Healthy Community Celebration Sept. 21 at Pamela Park at 2236 Goodall Ave., in Duarte: lunch activities for children, live entertainment, giveaways, etc.

~ Stats from the census on Monrovia. http://goo.gl/NxB6kk

- Brad Haugaard

Mayflower Closing for Railroad Construction

Mayflower Avenue will be closed between Evergreen Avenue and Duarte Road from Sept. 26 through early December while crews build grade crossing improvements for the Gold Line.

  

There will be a detour route and a free pedestrian shuttle service during daytime hours. Shuttle stops will be on either side of the tracks and signage will be posted with the hours of operation.

 

All businesses will remain open and accessible during construction.

 

Construction schedules are subject to change.

 

Source: press release

 

- Brad Haugaard

Assemblymember Chris Holden to Give State of the State Talk

Assemblymember Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, will present his "State of the State" address to the Sierra Madre City Council on Tuesday, Sept. 24 at 6:30 pm.

He will review the state budget, prison overcrowding, affordable healthcare, education, and his bills promoting job growth.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Pedestrian Goes Through Windshield of Car

Details on today's accident at Huntington and Magnolia. Three people injured and taken to the hospital. A pedestrian went throught the windshield of a car. http://goo.gl/dLVrfM

- Brad Haugaard

Suspect in Phone Threats Convicted Earlier of Bomb Threats

The man arrested on suspicion of making threatening calls to local schools (including Monrovia's Santa Fe Middle School) is the same man convicted of making bomb threats in Pasadena last year. http://goo.gl/VH7zir

- Brad Haugaard

Popeyes Chicken Remodeling

Popeyes Chicken, at the corner of Magnolia and Huntington, is being remodeled.

- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment Competitor Goes Bankrupt

One of the competitors to Monrovia's AeroVironment, Ecotality, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. It also made electric car chargers. http://goo.gl/3TWB2i

- Brad Haugaard

Injury Accident at Huntington and Magnolia

Monrovia Police report a "bad traffic accident with injuries" at Magnolia and Huntington. Use another route.

- Brad Haugaard

CIBA to Build Industrial Condos on Magnolia

The Successor Agency to the Monrovia Redevelopment Agency (the City Council wearing a different hat) agreed tonight to let CIBA Real Estate build 10 industrial condos compromising roughly 16,000 square feet and 40 parking spaces at 820 South Magnolia Ave., a few blocks north of Huntington.

- Brad Haugaard

Looking for Missing Man, Former Monrovian

A group called 'Team Robert' is searching for the whereabouts of a Placentia man, Robert Harrod, who used to live in Monrovia. He has been missing since 2009, when he was 81 years old. Placentia Police suspect foul play. If you have any information, call Det. David Radomski, Placentia Police, 714 993-8176. CBS report: http://goo.gl/KPJ8Ev . Search web page: http://goo.gl/SNNdrw

- Brad Haugaard

Parry Suggests Lockers for Homeless | Monrovia Allows Electronic Price Signs for Service Stations

At tonight's Monovia City Council meeting ...

~ Former City Council candidate Robert Parry suggested a tough love approach to homeless people in Library and Recreation Parks. The tough part would be legal injunctions requiring those who commit crimes to stay away. The love part would be for the city to work with churches and civic organizations to provide lockers (like school lockers) for homeless people to keep their stuff in. One homeless man, Parry said, told him that he had to watch all his possessions constantly just to prevent them from being stolen. Comment: Lockers ... hmm. Interesting, affordable and simple idea. Worth considering.

~ The council ammended the city code to allow service stations to have electronic fuel price signs.

- Brad Haugaard

Francis Delach Will Be Interim City Manager for Monrovia

At its meeting tonight, the Monrovia City Council named Francis Delach, former Azusa City Manager, to be its interim city manager during the search to replace current City Manager, Laurie Lile, who is retiring. Here is Delach's LinkedIn page: http://goo.gl/WnxynN

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wants Your Opinion on Housing

Monrovia wants your opinion on the city's housing needs, as part of its general plan, so it is asking residents for their opinions through a quick nine-question survey, here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZCHXPL9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Arrested in Threatening Calls to Schools, Hospitals

UPDATE 2: Earlier this year a Monrovia man by the same name, Gerardo Cortez, identified at the time as being 25 years old, pleaded no contest to one count of making a false bomb report. http://goo.gl/FM7LQ3

UPDATE: Arrested man is Geraldo Cortez, 26, of Monrovia. http://local.nixle.com/alert/5064134/

KNX Newsradio reports that a Monrovia man has been arrested in connection with threatening calls that shut down local schools - including Monrovia's Santa Fe Middle School - and hospitals. http://goo.gl/RXky2f

- Brad Haugaard

Williams Launches Monrovia School Board Campaign | Fitness Challenge | Flags Half Staff | Ralphs Cards

~ Terrence Williams, candidate for the Monrovia School Board, has launched his campaign and has a webpage with his campaign statement: http://williams4monrovia.com/

~ The Foothill Fitness Challenge, sponsored by City of Hope, pits Monrovia and other foothills communities against each other in a friendly competition to see which city can be most fit. http://goo.gl/WrGArX

~ Monrovia flags at half staff in memory of those killed at the Washington Navy Yard. http://goo.gl/WO1MSA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Wheelchair Suspect Arrested From Bus; Threatening Mom; Stabbing Attack; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 12–15 . - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested

September 13 at 5:29 p.m., officers observed a known gang member in the 200 block of East Lime. A computer check revealed he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for criminal threats. Officers immediately arrested the suspect and took him into custody for the warrant.

Warrant / Possession of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

September 14 at 3:05 a.m., an officer on patrol conducted a traffic stop on a vehicle for a traffic violation. During the course of the traffic stop, the officer discovered one of the occupants had a no-bail warrant for possession of a controlled substance. The subject was arrested and taken into custody. The warrant was out of Downey Police Department and they responded and took custody of the suspect.

Disturbing Subject / Warrant ­– Suspect Arrested

September 14 at 1:19 p.m., the driver of a Foothill Transit bus called police because a male subject in a wheelchair was causing a disturbance on the bus. He was yelling at customers and the bus driver. He refused to get off the bus when the bus stopped at Mayflower and Huntington and he was asked to exit. An officer arrived and convinced the subject to exit the bus. A computer check was run on the subject, which revealed the he had an outstanding warrant for his arrest. The officer arrested the subject for the warrant and took him into custody.

Warrant Arrest – Suspect Arrested

September 14 at 2:00 p.m., an officer on patrol in the 200 block of Madeline contacted a subject walking near Norumbega and Greystone. A computer check revealed the subject had a warrant for his arrest for theft and drugs. The officer arrested him for the warrant.

Criminal Threats – Suspect Arrested

September 14 at 8:26 p.m., the sister of a subject called police to report that her brother was threatening their mother. Officers responded to a residence in the 300 block of East Olive, where the suspect lives with his mother. Through investigation, the officer determined the son had made a criminal threat against his mother. He was arrested for the crime and taken into custody.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

September 14 at 11:16 p.m., police received a call reporting a woman screaming and a possible fight at a residence in the 200 block of South Magnolia. The first officer on scene reported a stabbing victim and the suspect possibly still in the area. Additional officers responded to assist. The Arcadia Police Department provided several officers to help with containment of the area and the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter also responded.

After the description of the suspect was broadcast, officers in the field located and detained the suspect in the 200 block of West Palm. Monrovia Fire Department paramedics responded to treat the victims. Three victims were located at the scene. The primary victim sustained a laceration to the abdomen and a surface laceration to the neck. The wife of the primary victim sustained a surface laceration on her left upper arm. The third victim, a male relative, sustained two surface lacerations, one in the arm and one behind the neck. The primary victim was taken to a hospital for treatment. The suspect was also taken to a hospital for injuries he sustained during the fight with the victim. None of the injuries were life threatening. After the suspect was cleared by the hospital, he was taken into custody and charged for assault with a deadly weapon.

Grand Theft

September 15 at 9:46 a.m., a grand theft was reported at a business in the 1300 block of South Myrtle. The victim took his car to the business for repairs. Just after midnight, the suspect entered the business parking lot in a white Suburban. The suspect exited his vehicle and approached the victim's vehicle on the lot. He removed and took all of the tires and wheels. The investigation is continuing.

Gang Injunctions vs Gangs in Monrovia | City Manager on Homelessness

~ A look at the effectiveness of Monrovia's gang injunction against the Nuevo Varrio Gang and the Duroc Crips gangs. http://goo.gl/Ad7yoy

~ Monrovia City Manager Laurie Lile responds to Robert Parry's article about homeless people in Library Park. http://goo.gl/26FbFP

- Brad Haugaard

Old Cars in Old Monrovia

The old car show is still going on in old town. Some beautiful cars.

-Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Football Victory Over Arcadia

Monrovia over Arcadia in football - 49 to 7. Full story: http://goo.gl/J963Vy

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Meridian Grill

Lunch at Meridian Grill. Mediterranean cuisine. Got the chicken shawarma ($12) and a beer ($6). This is the former Planet Cookies at Myrtle and Lime.  The inside has been totally redone. Very elegant - white tablecloths. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard

Olympic Medalist Grand Marshall of Saturday's Car Show | LinkedIn Workshop

~ Five-time Olympic Medal Winner and Monrovia resident Kim Rhode will serve as this year's Grand Marshall of tomorrow's (Sept. 14) Street Rods Forever 23rd Annual Hot Rod, Custom Car & Motorcycle Show, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. along Myrtle Avenue in Old Town Monrovia. She will also show her 1965 AC Shelby Cobra. The event will also feature automotive vendors and raffles. Proceeds to local charities. Admission is free.

~ Final 3-hour LinkedIn workshop on Attracting New Businesses and Contacts on Sept. 28, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. To reserve a spot: http://goo.gl/pVzWNz or call (626) 256-8274.

- Brad Haugaard

FBI Searching for Caller Who Shut Down Santa Fe Middle School

FBI joins search for caller who shut down Santa Fe Middle School and other schools in the San Gabriel Valley. http://goo.gl/ow7wp3

- Brad Haugaard

Burger Shack Restaurant for Sale

The Burger Shack restaurant and property at the corner of Foothill and Madison is for sale for $1.8 million. The restaurant makes about $55,000 a month. http://goo.gl/9SP62Y

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia vs Arcadia Game Tonight | Newcomers

~ Pasadena Star-News pre-game analysis of the Monrovia-Arcadia football game tonight. http://goo.gl/v6ryRx

~ The Newcomers and Friends of San Gabriel Valley club invites new local residents to a "meet and greet" coffee in Arcadia on October 2. For more information: sgvnewcomers@yahoo.com or http://www.sgvnewcomers.com

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Council: Electronic Fuel Price Signs at Gas Stations; Madison Fire; Interim City Manager

At its Sept. 17 meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/V1jJuR ), the Monrovia City Council will ...

~ Consider an amendment to city code to allow service stations to have electronic fuel price signs on ground signs ("monument" signs) no more than six feet high and with illumination that does not impair people's vision. City staff recommends approval. http://goo.gl/4viTKK

~ Hear an update on "Madison Fire Remediation Measures." The staff report gives no detail, but I assume it is this: http://goo.gl/no9YO9

~ Meet in closed session to discuss an interim city manager, and for labor negotiations with the firefighters ( http://goo.gl/f4f9Pp ). And, actually, the day before, Sept. 16, there'll be another closed session about an interim city manager ( http://goo.gl/kvTr2d ).

- Brad Haugaard

County to Build Debris Wall at the North End of Highland Place

LA County Public Works will build a temporary debris wall - to protect against mudflows - on Monrovia city property at the north end of Highland Place, where the vegetation was burned off because of the Madison fire.

The wall will be made of timber, designed to let water flow through, but not large rock, dirt and other hillside debris. It will be in place for approximately five years to allow vegetation to grow back.

There will be a public forum on Thursday, September 19, 7 p.m. at the Library Community Room to discuss the project. For further information call (626) 932-5575 or email pwcomments@ci.monrovia.ca.us.

Source: http://goo.gl/no9YO9

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Fighting Females x2; Stolen Honda

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 9–11. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 498 service events, resulting in 87 investigations.

Assault with a Deadly Weapon – Suspect Arrested

September 9 at 7:18 p.m., an officer responded to a residence in the 1700 block of South Mayflower regarding the report of two females fighting. Upon arrival, one of the females was bleeding from a head injury. Further investigation revealed the subject was hit in the head with a full beer can by the other female during the dispute. The suspect was arrested for assault with a deadly weapon.

Grand Theft Auto

September 10 at 7:16 p.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 200 block of East Cypress. The vehicle is a red, 1993 Honda Del Sol. The vehicle was parked on the street. The investigation is continuing.

Fight in Progress / Threatening With a Knife

September 11 at 8:37 p.m., police dispatch received a 9–1–1 call from a residence in the 100 block of Los Angeles. The caller stated a female subject inside the residence was threatening one of the family members with a knife. Officers responded, along with the Foothill Air Support Team helicopter, to the residence. The victim was outside the residence when officers arrived and said she wanted nothing done about the incident. The other subjects inside the residence were uncooperative and refused to come outside.

After a short period, officers were eventually able to talk the subjects out of the residence. They were unable to confirm a crime had occurred, due to uncooperative and conflicting statements. All subjects were identified.

City Manager Recruitment Process

An announcement about the city manager recruitment process:

The Mayor and City Council met in closed session yesterday afternoon regarding the transition to a new City Manager.  Council have identified some strong candidates from outside the organization who are interested in serving as Interim City Manager.  The Mayor and City Council plan to meet with these candidates early next week and they hope to announce their decision shortly thereafter.  The plan is to have an experienced Interim City Manager on board well before Ms. Lile's  retirement date so that she can work with that individual to facilitate a smooth transition.

The City Attorney has been instructed to solicit proposals from well-qualified professional recruiters to find a consultant who will quickly start a broad search for Monrovia’s next City Manager.  It is the City Council’s intent to have that search underway by the beginning of October.  In the short-term, the Mayor and City Council will be meeting further to define their expectations of the new City Manager and they have asked staff to provide data regarding comparable compensation packages to ensure that this position is attractive to a broad range of highly-qualified candidates.

It is Council's  intent to keep the community, staff and stakeholders informed of progress as this process  moves forward, as much as possible respecting the privacy of employment candidates.

Source: City Council member Becky Shevlin

- Brad Haugaard

Biker Rob Hammond Crosses Border Into California

Canada-to-Mexico bicycle rider Biker Rob Hammond - former Monrovia Mayor and current school board member - has crossed the Oregon border into California. Near Smith River Indian Reservation at the moment.

- Brad Haugaard

School Board Member Alex Zucco Kicks Off Reelection Campaign

Incumbent School Board Member Alex Zucco is kicking off her re-election bid with an invitation to Monrovians for a gathering this Sunday, Sept. 15, from 4-6 p.m. at her home, at 447 N. Encinitas Ave.

[Note: I will be happy to post information about other candidates' events, but you gotta send it to me.]

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia's Trader Joe's Drops Healthcare for Some Part-Timers

Monrovia-based Trader Joe's markets is dropping health coverage for part timers who work fewer than 30 hours. Because of Obamacare. http://goo.gl/ikyhTC

- Brad Haugaard

Homeless in the Park

Former Monrovia City Council candidate Robert Parry writes about homeless people in Library Park. http://goo.gl/BELbXb

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Public Information Officer Moves On | Student is National Merit Semifinalist

~ Monrovia Public Information Officer, Jennifer McLain, is moving on. She has a new job with the San Gabriel Valley Economic Partnership. http://goo.gl/bLdWGY

~ Monrovia High student named one of 16,000 National Merit Scholarship semifinalists. http://goo.gl/ANRSvK

- Brad Haugaard

Hammond More Than Halfway Through Oregon

After a tumble on his Canada-to-Mexico ride, Biker Rob Hammond - former Monrovia Mayor and current school board member - is back on his bike heading south. Currently he is a bit north of Coos Bay, Oregon, more than halfway through the state.

- Brad Haugaard

Juvolicious Moves In | Make Money From Your Computer | Lone Drivers in Carpool Lane?

~ Juvolicious has apparently moved in to the old Dogwoods on Foothill. It is "a venture funded ecommerce company that purchases popular consumer products from manufacturers and wholesalers across the United States​."

~ Free workshop on high-demand businesses you can run from your computer. "Using Your Computer to Make Money," 6:30-8:30 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 17 at the Library Community Room. Registration form: http://goo.gl/4z2WIB

~ Lone drivers could use 210 and 134 carpool lanes if bill is signed by Governor Brown. http://goo.gl/mdxrcs

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Legislator's Bill Requires State Agencies to Buy Californian if the Price is Right

Lawmakers today gave final approval to Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill to require state agencies - such as public hospitals, prisons and public schools - to purchase agricultural products from California companies if the price is equal to or less than the lowest out-of-state company. AB 199 now goes to Governor Brown for his signature. He has until Oct. 13 to sign or veto.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police: Whistling Leads to Fight; Slamming the Freezer Door; Switching Stolen Trucks; Lockdown; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 5-9. - Brad Haugaard]

 

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

 

Battery / Vandalism / Driving Under the Influence – Suspects Arrested

September 6 at 2:09 a.m., officers responded to a residence in the 200 block of South Madison on the report of a male suspect attempting to enter the victim's home by kicking in the door and breaking a window.  Officers arrived and saw two suspects fleeing from the residence in a vehicle.  A felony stop was conducted on the vehicle and two male suspects were detained.  

 

Through investigation, it was learned that the victim and his girlfriend were walking to their apartment.  They walked by a vehicle occupied by two male subjects and the passenger whistled and made comments to the victim's girlfriend.  The victim told the suspect to leave them alone.  The passenger exited the vehicle and ran after them; a fight ensued.  The victim got away from the suspect and ran into the apartment.  The suspect then tried to force the door of the apartment open.  Not succeeding, he punched and broke a glass window with his hand, cutting his hand in the process.  The victim told the suspect they had called the police and the suspect fled.

 

The passenger was arrested for battery and vandalism.  The driver of the vehicle was determined to be under the influence and was arrested for DUI.

 

Possession of a Controlled Substance / Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance – Suspect Arrested

September 7 at 1:14 a.m., an officer observed a female subject in a parking lot of a business in the 400 block of South Myrtle.  The officer contacted the subject and determined that she was under the influence of a controlled substance.  She admitted to being under the influence of methamphetamine.  She was arrested and taken into custody.

 

Battery – Suspect Arrested

September 7 at 12:31 p.m., a female adult entered a business in the 200 block of West Foothill and wanted to purchase alcohol.  The clerk asked for identification and the female became irate.  A customer told the female to stop yelling at the clerk; the female pushed and struck the customer with a clenched fist.  The clerk jumped in and tried to push the female out of the store.  The female struck the clerk and tore his shirt in the process.  The female fled and the clerk called police.  Officers arrived and located the female suspect down the street.  The clerk made a citizen's arrest and the suspect was taken into custody.

 

Battery – Suspect Arrested

September 7 at 1:06 p.m., officers responded to a business in the 500 block of South Shamrock regarding an argument between the owner and an employee.  They were arguing because the employee had slammed the freezer door.  The argument escalated and the employee pushed the owner; the owner fired him on the spot and called police.  The owner made a citizen's arrest and the employee was taken into custody for battery.

 

Commercial Burglary / Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor – Suspects Arrested

September 7 at 5:05 p.m., a male adult and female juvenile were seen inside a business in the 500 block of West Huntington, selecting merchandise, removing price tags and placing the merchandise inside a duffle bag.  The police were notified and the suspects were detained outside the store by officers.  A computer check revealed the juvenile was a runaway with a no-bail warrant.  The adult was arrested and charged with burglary and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

 

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance / Warrant – Suspect Arrested

September 8 at 5:34 a.m., officers responded to the 100 block of East Central regarding a suspicious person.  They arrived and contacted a female who was under the influence of a narcotic.  A computer check revealed the subject had an outstanding no-bail warrant and is on probation.  She was arrested for the warrant and for being under the influence of a controlled substance.

 

Grand Theft Auto

September 8 at 7:40 a.m., a vehicle was reported stolen from the 100 block of West Cherry.  The vehicle is a 1987 GMC truck and it was taken from the victim's driveway.  The victim has accounted for all of the keys.  The investigation is continuing.

 

Recovered Stolen Vehicle

September 8 at 9:05 a.m., shortly after police received the above grand theft auto report on West Cherry, they recovered a 1979 Chevy pickup on East Central.  It is believed the suspect(s) abandoned the Chevy and then took the GMC.  The investigation is continuing.

 

9-1-1 Call Leads to Lockdown at Santa Fe Middle School

September 9 at approximately 2:00 p.m., a male caller phoned the Monrovia Police Dispatch Center on 9-1-1.  He told the dispatcher he was on campus at Santa Fe Middle School and had an AK-47.

                                                          

The Monrovia Police Department activated a well practiced contingency plan for this type of event and surrounded the school.  Monrovia police officers, with assistance from our law enforcement partners in neighboring cities, surrounded the campus and locked down the student body.  The students sheltered in place in their classrooms.

 

Monrovia officers cleared the campus and completed the systematic evacuation of the classrooms to ensure the safety of the students.  After the classrooms were cleared, it was determined this incident was not a credible threat and no gunman had been on campus.  An investigation will try to identify the caller.

 

The Monrovia Police Department reminds everyone to call your local police agency if you see anything on a school campus that appears out of place.

 

 

Rangers Get Electric Bikes | Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Gets New CFO

~ Monrovia park rangers get electric bikes. http://goo.gl/tl7Eq2

~ Monrovia's STAAR Surgical Company, a developer of implantable lenses for the eye, has hired Stephen P. Brown as chief financial officer. Brown comes from Bausch & Lomb Surgical. http://goo.gl/lnuLCS

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia City Council to Consider Interim City Manager

This coming Wednesday the Monrovia City Council will meet in closed session to consider whom to appoint as interim city manager, since City Manager Laurie Lile is retiring. (Agenda: http://goo.gl/a7s6lZ )

- Brad Haugaard

Nominate Worthy Monrovians

Monrovia Chamber of Commerce is opening nominations for three annual awards: the Iris Award (Monrovia Citizen of the Year), Monroe Award (Businessperson of the Year), and Dick Lord Award (Outstanding Chamber of Commerce member). Deadline for turning in nominations is Friday, October 15.

If you'd like to nominate someone, here are the forms:

Iris - http://goo.gl/TpU7zL

Monroe - http://goo.gl/GoZ5Ow

Dick Lord - http://goo.gl/1Kp4jC

- Brad Haugaard

First Time in History - Monrovia High Girls Beat La Canada Girls' Volleyball Team

From a very excited Monrovia High announcement:

"Extra, Extra, Hear all about it! Unbelievable! Monrovia High Girls Volleyball made history this weekend by defeating La Canada Girls' Volleyball team for the first time in Monrovia High History!!! Winning in 3 straight sets (3-0). Scores were 25-21, 25-21, 25-23! Every player contributed to the unbelievable win! Could this be the season? Could this team be the first to bring the Rio Hondo League Banner?"

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman Trying to Prevent Completion of 710 Through South Pas

On his Facebook page, Assemblyman Chris Holden, who represents Monrovia, writes: "I want to thank Sen. Carol Liu for her leadership on legislation to ensure the timely sale of "surplus homes" currently owned by Cal Trans in the Pasadena-South Pas - East LA 710 corridor. SB 416, which I am co-authoring made it out of the Assembly late Friday, and also eliminates a proposed surface route from consideration."

The Monrovia City Council recently voted to support completion of the route.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Assemblyman's Airport Car-Rental Financing Bill Passes Senate

With bi-partisan support, the State Senate has passed Assembly Member Chris Holden's AB 359, to simplify airport car rental facility financing.

Under existing law, California airports seeking to finance the construction of large rental car facilities with a customer surcharge must have an independent financial audit every three years during the life of the bond to determine the reasonableness of the fee.

AB 359 will allow airports to submit audits they already perform to satisfy the law.

The measure goes back to the Assembly for approval of amendments before heading to the Governor for his signature.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Firm Gets $36.7 Million Order

Monrovia's AeroVironment gets $36.7 million order for Switchblade drones from the Army. http://goo.gl/OTn5HS

- Brad Haugaard

Threat to Santa Fe Middle School

UPDATE: No gunman found. http://goo.gl/pzuVPs

Threat to Santa Fe Middle School. School shut down. http://goo.gl/sD6Cer and http://goo.gl/ZtmfJc

- Brad Haugaard

Biker Hammond Takes a Tumble

Former Monrovia Mayor and School Board member, Rob Hammond, took a tumble on his Canada-to-Mexico bike trip and got to visit Columbia Memorial Hospital in Astoria, Oregon, so he's made it through Washington. On Facebook he writes: "Got stung on the knee by a yellow jacket and fell. Now I get to meet some really nice people in the ER. Mama said there would be days like this."

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia School Candidates | New Priest | Steak Barbecue

~ Monrovia School Board candidates, as listed by the county ( http://goo.gl/jTYKsG ): Scott Kenneth Pomrehn (occupation: Parent); Alexandra Kuser Zucco (occupation: Incumbent); Ruhiyyih N. Yuille (occupation; Speech Pathologist/Teacher); Terrence G. Williams (occupation: Parent/Local Businessowner)

~ St. Luke's Episcopal Church on Foothill has a new priest, Neil Tadken, who wants to get the church more involved in the community, according to a church representative. For starters, the church will be clearing vegetation around its building and planting fruits and vegetables, which it will donate to Foothill Unity Center.

~ Maryknoll Sisters of Monrovia will hold a steak barbecue to celebrate its 60th anniversary on Saturday, Sept. 14, from 5:30-10 p.m. Adults $15, children under 12 $7.50. 300 Norumbega Dr. Call (626) 622-2837.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Jobs Workshop | YMCA | Hot Rods | Health Expo

~ Free weekly job workshop at Monrovia Adult School. Monday, Sept. 9 at 1 p.m. Following Mondays at 10:30 a.m. At 920 S. Mountain Ave.

~ Join the Y in September and the Y will pay for your September membership.

~ Custom hot rods, custom cars and motorcycles on Myrtle in Old Town Saturday, Sept. 14, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

~ Set for Life annual health expo at Second Baptist Church, 925 S. Shamrock. Screenings, workshops, healthy foods, fitness classes, etc. 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

~ Santa Anita Y Red Envelope Gala dinner and silent auction, Sept. 26 at Embassy Suites, Arcadia. $75. For details email cherylreynolds@ymcala.org.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Church Building Sold

Apparently the for-sale church building at the corner of Palm and Primrose, across from the library, has been sold and the purchasing church congregation is talking to Restored Life Fellowship, which is renting the space, about how the two groups might work together. That is according to a member of the Restored Life congregation.

- Brad Haugaard

Cookies to Mediterranean Food

Planet Cookies is becoming Meridian Grill, featuring Mediterranean cuisine. At the corner of Lime and Myrtle.

 

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovian Restores Classic Alpha Romeo

Classic 1938 Alpha Romeo restored by Monrovian Chris Kidd. http://goo.gl/UR893Y

- Brad Haugaard

Produce in the Park Now

Sandy Bres and Karen Rose Moore show off some locally-grown produce at Produce in the Park, today until 11 a.m. at the Mark Twain statue in Library Park. Come on down. 

- Brad Haugaard

Another Concert in the Park Sunday | Bikers Reach Poulsbo

~ Monrovia's Restored Life Fellowship is sponsoring "One More Concert in the Park" at the Library Park Bandshell. Featuring the classic rock of The Johnnies, tomorrow, Sunday, Sept. 8 at 7 p.m.

~ Canada to Mexico bike rider, Monrovia Mayor Rob Hammond, writes: "Port Angeles to Victoria BC. To Poulsbo Washington. Four flat tires. 3214 feet elevation gain." He is riding with six other bikers.

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Wins Season Opener

Monrovia wins over Ayala in season opener, 21-13. http://goo.gl/DVJsEP

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Schools Budget a Bit Better

At the Sept. 11 School Board meeting (agenda: http://goo.gl/mNKGme ) the board will receive a report saying the district's ending balance for unrestricted general funds for the 2012-13 year is better than projected - $10,130,664 in the kitty as opposed to $9,745,122 projected, or $385,542 more than estimated. Details: http://goo.gl/FhLA2P

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Back-to-School Nights

Source: School Board agenda

- Brad Haugaard

Holden Architect-Protection Bill Goes to Governor

The State Legislature today gave final approval to Assemblymember Chris Holden's bill to end disputes over architects' designs. The Assembly voted 75 to 0 on amendments taken earlier in the Senate. AB 630 now goes to Governor Brown for signature. Holden represents Monrovia.

AB 630 safeguards an architect's drawings or plans by clarifying that a person can only use the plans or drawings if they have written permission. Architects currently face a challenge preventing those who are not authorized to use their work from using it again and again.

Source: Holden press release

- Brad Haugaard

Lunch at Chang Thai Bistro

Lunch at Chang Thai Bistro just north of Olive on the east side of Myrtle. Got the Kang Ka Ree (chicken curry) lunch special for $6.95 and a beer ($5.95), plus tax and tip. It came with a very nice soup. I've had this dish several times over the years and never been disappointed. Nice. 

- Brad Haugaard

Former Monrovia Mayor Has Close Encounter with Lightning | Monrovia vs. Ayala

~ While on his Canada-to-Mexico bike ride, former Monrovia mayor and current school board member Rob Hammond had a mini adventure: "While we are in the deluge lightning hits the tree behind us and sends the tree crashing into and blocks the road. This will not be boring."

~ It's Monrovia High vs. Ayala High (of Chino Hills) tomorrow at 7 p.m. at MHS. Here's the San Gabriel Valley Tribune's take on the game: http://goo.gl/nQgGye

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Opening Cooling Centers for Heat Alert Weekend

The Los Angeles County Health Officer has declared a Heat Alert as high temperatures have been forecast for the East San Gabriel Valley on Thursday, September 5 through Sunday, September 8.

Precautions should be taken, especially by individuals who participate in outdoor activities, older adults, caretakers of infants and children, and those sensitive to heat. Everyone should remember to take special care of themselves, children, the elderly, and pets. When temperatures are high, prolonged sun exposure may cause dehydration, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.

Cooling Centers are available:
Monrovia Community Center
119 W Palm Avenue, Monrovia, CA 91016
Friday, September 6, 8:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday, September 7, 12:00pm - 12:30am
Sunday, September 8, 9:30am - 8:00pm

Additional tips for those who must work or exercise outdoors:
- Drink water or electrolyte-replacing sports drinks often; do not wait until you are thirsty
- Ensure that cool drinking water is available
- Avoid drinking sweetened drinks, caffeine, and alcohol
- Avoid drinking extremely cold water as this is more likely to cause cramps
- Allow athletes or outdoor workers to take frequent rests
- Pay attention to signs of dehydration which include dizziness, fatigue, faintness, headaches, muscle cramps, and increased thirst.  Individuals with these symptoms should be moved to a cooler, shaded place and given water or sports drinks. More severe signs of heat-related illness may include diminished judgment, disorientation, pale and clammy skin, a rapid and weak pulse, and/or fast and shallow breathing.
- Coaches, teachers, and employers should seek immediate medical attention for those exhibiting signs of heat-related illness.

Source: Monrovia press release

Monrovia Police: Car Stolen, Torched; Stealing Audio System - While It's Playing; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Sept. 2–4. - Brad Haugaard]

During the last seven-day period, the Police Department handled 464 service events, resulting in 75 investigations.

Vehicle Vandalism

September 3 at 4:57 a.m., police dispatch received a call from a pedestrian reporting a vehicle parked in a parking lot in the 100 block of East Lemon with all of the windows broken out. An officer responded and it appears to be an act of vandalism.

Grand Theft – Suspect Arrested

September 3 at 8:32 p.m., a business in the 300 block of West Huntington called and reported a suspect inside the store had reached around a counter and removed an iPhone that was playing the store music. Once the music stopped, employees looked at the store security film and saw that the suspect was still inside the store, in line, and they called police. When the suspect left the store, he was detained by an officer outside and arrested for the theft.

Domestic Violence / Grand Theft Auto Recovered – Suspect Arrested

September 4 at 4:39 a.m., the victim of a recent domestic battery incident that occurred on August 31 called to report her car had been stolen. The suspect had battered his girlfriend, hitting her three times in the face, causing her right eye to swell shut and a half inch laceration above her eye. The suspect fled the location and is wanted by police for the battery charges. The victim reported that the vehicle had been taken from the front of her house. Approximately 30 minutes later, the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department responded to the report of a vehicle on fire. They located the woman's vehicle, which had been set on fire in the county area of Duarte. The boyfriend/suspect in the domestic battery had a key to the vehicle.

A wanted person's entry was made into the law enforcement computer system and the suspect was observed by Claremont police officers later that same day. A chase ensued. Monrovia Special Enforcement Team officers and detectives from the West San Gabriel Valley Anti-Crime Task Force responded to assist Claremont officers. Seeing the police presence at his home, the suspect surrendered to officers. The investigation is continuing.

Monrovia's AeroVironment Gets $6.6 Million Army Order

Monrovia's AeroVironment gets $6.6 million Army order for killer drones. http://goo.gl/x8UIBf

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Supports Completion of 710 Freeway

Monrovia City Council supports completing 710 Freeway gap in South Pasadena. http://goo.gl/vXWuOh

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Congresswoman Condemns Syria, Wants to Know What You Think

Congresswoman Judy Chu, who represents the top edge of Monrovia, condemns the Syrian regime and promises that her "top priority in the days to come is to deliberate on the facts as we know them, and deliver a vote for the best course of action for the American people and the world." ( http://goo.gl/Z74Bns ).

She'd also like your opinion on what to do about Syria, here: http://chu.house.gov/survey

- Brad Haugaard

Mt. Sierra College Picks Up New Property

Mt. Sierra College will get a new home on the southwest corner of Huntington and Myrtle, caddy-corner from its current location. http://goo.gl/n7ofsr


- Brad Haugaard

AeroVironment to Work on Long-Flying Drone | Antonovich: Keep Felons in Jail

~ Monrovia's AeroVironment is joining a military research program to develop a medium-altitude long-endurance drone that can launch from smaller ships. For observation and striking. http://goo.gl/7xkv9d

~ County Supervisor Michael Antonovich, who represents Monrovia, calls for reducing early-release of violent offenders and sex offenders. http://goo.gl/Woxd5R

- Brad Haugaard

Hot for a While | Monrovia Football Rated on Top

~ Gonna stay hot in Monrovia for a bit according to The Weather Channel. 96 tomorrow, 97 Thursday, 96 Friday and 92 Saturday. http://goo.gl/jVcV97

~ CIF-Southern Section football polls say Monrovia is tops in the Mid-Valley. http://goo.gl/3HhwiA

- Brad Haugaard

Monrovia Police Arrest Man in Black; Roll-Over Accident; Battery; Etc.

[Monrovia Police activities from the Police Department's Neighborhood Watch Report for Aug. 29-Sept. 1 . - Brad Haugaard]

Following are the weekend's highlighted issues and events.

Theft From a Vehicle

August 29 at 12:20 p.m., a theft from a vehicle was reported in the 200 block of North Mayflower Avenue. The vehicle was broken into sometime between August 28 and August 29. The vehicle was left unlocked and the suspect(s) took the vehicle registration and an insurance card from inside. The investigation is continuing.

Stolen Vehicle Recovered

August 29 at 7:24 p.m., a caller reported a vehicle that had been parked in the 600 block of Fig for several days and provided the license plate. A computer check of the plate revealed the vehicle had been reported stolen to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department on August 26. The vehicle is a beige, four-door, 1999 Lincoln Continental. An officer was dispatched to recover the vehicle.

Wanted for Burglary – Suspect Arrested

August 29 at 7:27 p.m., police responded to the report of a 50-year-old male subject dressed in all black, pacing to and from an ATM machine in the 500 block of West Huntington. An officer responded and located the subject. A computer check revealed the subject was wanted for burglary by the West Covina Police Department. It was confirmed that the subject was still wanted and he was arrested and later released to West Covina Police Department.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect Arrested

August 30 at 1:51 a.m., an officer observed a vehicle commit a vehicle code violation heading westbound on Huntington. He stopped the vehicle at Santa Anita. During the investigation, the officer determined the driver was driving under the influence and he was arrested for the charge.

Commercial Burglary – One Suspect Arrested

August 30 at 10:23 a.m., two suspects entered a business in the 1600 block of South Mountain and separated. One suspect selected several smoke alarms, while the other exited the store, drove his vehicle to the garden area and waited for the suspect inside the store to exit. The suspect who selected the items walked out the front entrance without paying for them. As loss prevention officers responded and approached the suspect, the other suspect in the vehicle yelled out that he was being followed. The suspect with the items tossed them into the waiting vehicle, jumped in and both suspects fled.

Officers responded to take a report on the burglary and recognized the suspects from the store security cameras. One of the suspects was later seen by officers at a park in the 300 block of South Myrtle and he was arrested. A want was entered into the law enforcement computer system for the arrest of the second suspect, the driver. The investigation is continuing.

Welfare Check / 72-Hour Mental Evaluation

August 30 at 11:42 a.m., officers responded to a welfare check in the 800 block of Bonita Street. The subject was purposely hitting his head up against a wall. The subject was taken to a hospital and placed under a 72-hour hold for mental evaluation.

Disturbing Subject / 72-Hour Mental Evaluation

August 30 at 12:05 p.m., officers were dispatched to a business in the 1400 block of South Mountain regarding a disturbing subject. A female subject was swearing and yelling at customers at a business. Officers responded and the woman was taken to a hospital, where she was held for 72-hour mental evaluation.

Traffic Collision

August 30 at 3:02 p.m., a rollover traffic collision was reported in the area of Mayflower and Evergreen. A vehicle was crossing Mayflower, eastbound on Evergreen, when a northbound vehicle collided into the side, causing the vehicle to roll over. No one was injured.

Domestic Battery With Great Bodily Injury

August 31 at 12:17 a.m., officers were dispatched to a residence in the 100 block of Spanner regarding a possible burglary in progress. On arrival, they made contact with the victim, who had locked herself in a room, along with her parents. A check of the property was conducted, but the suspect had left.

The victim is dating the suspect, who had entered the house through a rear door that was left open due to the heat. The suspect argued with the victim and accused her of cheating on him. He then punched the victim in the face three times, just below the right eye, causing the eye to swell shut and a half inch laceration. A wanted person entry was made into the law enforcement computer system for the suspect. The investigation is continuing.

Driving Under the Influence – Suspect

August 31 at 2:11 a.m., an officer on patrol stopped a vehicle at Myrtle and Los Angeles for a vehicle code violation. The driver showed signs of intoxication. Through further investigation, the officer determined the subject was driving under the influence and arrested him.

Criminal Threats / Battery

August 31 at 10:18 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 800 block of East Lemon regarding a battery incident. The suspect had fled the location. After investigation, the officer determined the suspect criminally threatened and battered the boyfriend of his former girlfriend. The suspect was not located, but his identity and residence are known. A wanted person entry was completed for the suspect's arrest.